"The Romans thought of themselves as highly religious, and attributed their success as a world power to their collective piety (pietas) in maintaining good relations with the gods."
Religion and mythology played a central role in ancient political systems. Understanding the beliefs and rituals of the people is essential to understanding the political structures and decision-making processes of the time.
Creation Myths: Stories and beliefs about the creation of the world and humans.
Pantheons: The collective group of gods and goddesses in a particular religion or mythology.
Cosmology: The study of the universe and its origins in relation to religious beliefs.
Rituals and Worship: The practices and ceremonies associated with religions and mythologies.
Mythological creatures: Legendary beings and creatures found in various mythologies such as dragons, unicorns, and sirens.
Religious texts: Including scriptures, religious literature, and philosophical works.
Festivals and Holidays: Important events and celebrations within religions and mythologies.
Morality and Ethics: The codes of conduct and principles influenced by religions and mythologies.
Afterlife: Beliefs about what happens to the soul after death.
Gods and Heroes: Legendary figures and deities in various mythologies.
Symbolism and Iconography: The study of the symbolic meaning of religious and mythological icons such as sacred images, symbols, and objects.
Religious Art: The depiction of religious and mythological figures and events in art.
Philosophy of Religion: The analysis and interpretation of religious ideas and practices.
Mythology and Gender: The role of gender and sexuality in religious and mythological narratives.
Comparative Religion: The comparative study of different religions and mythologies.
Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam): These religions trace their origin to the prophet Abraham and his covenant with God. They share a common belief in one God and holy scriptures.
Hinduism: A religion originating in ancient India, Hinduism is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, karma, and various gods and goddesses.
Buddhism: Founded by the Buddha in ancient India, Buddhism teaches the absence of a permanent self and the attainment of enlightenment as a way to end suffering.
Taoism: A Chinese philosophy and religion based on the concept of Tao, or the way, which emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and balance.
Confucianism: A Chinese ethical and political philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing virtues such as filial piety, respect for authority, and social harmony.
Shinto: A traditional Japanese religion based on the worship of kami, or spirits, found in nature and ancestors.
Norse mythology: The mythology of the Norse people, primarily found in Iceland and Scandinavia, featuring gods and goddesses such as Odin and Thor.
Greek mythology: The mythology of the ancient Greeks, featuring gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Hera, and Athena.
Egyptian mythology: The mythology of ancient Egypt, featuring gods and goddesses such as Ra, Isis, and Osiris.
Native American religions: Various religions and spiritual practices of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, including Animism, Shamanism, and the Sun Dance.
"Their polytheistic religion is known for having honored many deities."
"The presence of Greeks on the Italian peninsula from the beginning of the historical period influenced Roman culture, introducing some religious practices that became fundamental."
"Etruscan religion was also a major influence, particularly on the practice of augury, used by the state to seek the will of the gods."
"According to legends, most of Rome's religious institutions could be traced to its founders, particularly Numa Pompilius, the Sabine second king of Rome, who negotiated directly with the gods."
"This archaic religion was the foundation of the mos maiorum, 'the way of the ancestors' or simply 'tradition,' viewed as central to Roman identity."
"Roman religion was practical and contractual, based on the principle of do ut des, 'I give that you might give'."
"Religion depended on knowledge and the correct practice of prayer, rite, and sacrifice."
"Even the most skeptical among Rome's intellectual elite such as Cicero, who was an augur, saw religion as a source of social order."
"As the Roman Empire expanded, migrants to the capital brought their local cults, many of which became popular among Italians."
"Christianity was eventually the most successful of these cults, and in 380 became the official state religion."
"For ordinary Romans, religion was a part of daily life."
"Each home had a household shrine at which prayers and libations to the family's domestic deities were offered."
"Neighborhood shrines and sacred places such as springs and groves dotted the city."
"The Roman calendar was structured around religious observances."
"Women, slaves, and children all participated in a range of religious activities."
"Some public rituals could be conducted only by women."
"Women formed what is perhaps Rome's most famous priesthood, the state-supported Vestals, who tended Rome's sacred hearth for centuries."
"The Vestals were disbanded under Christian domination."
"Religion was seen as a source of social order." (Cicero, as mentioned earlier)